Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TOWING VEHICLE
Evaluate your present vehicle to see if it is suitable for pulling a horse trailer. What is its
towing capacity?
Especially for interstate driving, the weight of a loaded towing vehicle should be at least
75 percent of the weight of the loaded trailer. Is the distance from the front axle to the back
axle (wheelbase) of your towing vehicle at least 115 inches? The longer the wheelbase, the
less likely the trailer is to sway while in motion. Does your truck or car have a powerful
enough engine to haul the extra weight of a loaded trailer? What you save in gas mileage
with a smaller engine may result in greater repair costs due to excess strain on the engine
and transmission. Most often, a ½-ton or ¾-ton pickup truck is appropriate for pulling a
two- or four-horse trailer, respectively. If you plan to pull a larger trailer, or if you plan to
use your truck to carry heavy loads of hay or grain, you may want to consider purchasing a
1-ton truck.
Does the towing vehicle have heavy-duty springs and shocks (suspension) and good
brakes and steering (power preferred)? Are the tires dependable, and do you have a good
spare, a lug wrench, and a jack? Are they easy to get to, and do you know how to use them?
Tires should be inflated with equal, optimum pressure and regularly rotated and balanced.
Ideally, your truck should have a special towing package, which includes a heavy-duty
radiator, a heavy-duty transmission with a special cooler and a low gear ratio, and heavy-
duty springs and shocks. Look in the owner's manual for the specifications on your vehicle
or ask your dealer to help you with the answers to these questions.
Routine servicing of the engine, cooling systems, suspension, tires, wheel bearings,
brakes, and other mechanical components not only prolongs the life of a vehicle but also
allows you or your mechanic to uncover problems before they become emergencies. Some
common problems encountered with a hauling vehicle are overheated engines and trans-
missions, flat tires, and brake or hitch failures.
THE TRAILER
Maintaining the safety and comfort of your horse is the main function of a horse trailer.
Trailer Selection
You must consider many factors when investing in a horse trailer. New trailers will cost
from $2500 for a bare-bones two-horse model to $10,000 and higher for a deluxe four-
horse model with dressing room and tack room. Many good new trailers can be purchased
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